As part of the Comprehensive Housing Plan with an investment of $25 billion, Governor Kathy Hochul announced this Friday that the Herkimer Gardens housing complex in Bedford Stuyvesant is now ready, with 121 apartments, including 60 with support services for New Yorkers of 62 years or older who need help to live independently.
The affordable, energy-efficient development offers community space for a health care center and food pantry, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced. The Herkimer Gardens urban project is part of the state’s Vital Brooklyn Initiative to address chronic social, economic and health disparities in Brooklyn’s most needy communities.
“Older New Yorkers deserve the security that stable, affordable and energy-efficient homes provide; Herkimer Gardens offers that and more. My comprehensive plan to expand access to essential services and quality affordable housing in Central Brooklyn reaffirms our commitment to keeping this historic, vibrant neighborhood strong and deepening the resources that serve its residents, the Borough of Brooklyn, and the City. as a whole,” said Governor Hochul.
Among the affordable housing projects led by Governor Hochul are plans to create or preserve 100,000 homes across the state, including 10,000 with supportive services for vulnerable populations, in addition to the electrification of 50,000 additional homes.
The new eight-story building was built on a parking lot previously used by staff at Interfaith Medical Center, which is located across the street from the newly completed new complex. There is a 5,900-square-foot community space for a healthcare facility operated by Interfaith Medical Center and 90 underground parking spaces for medical staff. A food access assistance center managed by Hunger Free America located on the first floor will offer food to local community residents through SNAP and other food assistance programs.
Officials reported that the 121 apartments will be affordable for households earning up to 80 percent of the area median income.
“Herkimer Gardens will not only be an affordable home for many of our older Brooklyn residents, but will also serve as a hub of health, nutrition and community for the entire neighborhood. Thank you to New York State for championing Vital Brooklyn housing that puts the needs of residents and the community at the forefront,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
Full of amenities
Project amenities include a wellness center, urban farm, recreational terrace where residents can attend yoga or tai chi classes, community lounge, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and 24/7 front desk staff of the week.
The building design meets Enterprise Green Communities guidelines. There are photovoltaic solar panels on the main roof to generate electricity on site, air-cooled heat pumps, two-level LED lighting with occupancy and daylight sensors, and solar shades. Other energy efficient features include a low-flow plumbing system with leak monitors, Energy Star appliances, and increased insulation throughout the building.
“Herkimer Gardens will not only provide 121 healthy, affordable homes to residents, but also the types of services and amenities that can help heal the chronic disparities in the availability of quality health services and fresh, healthy, affordable foods that have plagued to Bed-Stuy residents for too long,” said New York State Housing and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas.